in want, sir. I felt certain I
had fallen among a bad lot, and believed myself to be powerless. In
the end, sir, like a fool, I gave in and agreed to his terms.

"Now just listen, sir, how I betrayed you.

"I wrote every day to Mr. Saumarez and told him of every movement of
yours, especially the going to the solicitors; he wanted to know all
about that.

"You will remember the last time you went there, just before we went to
Euston on our way to Liverpool? Well, that newspaper man running along
and knocking me down, and the lady and gentleman coming up and brushing
you down, was all a put-up job. I was told to fall down and keep out
of the way to give the others time to act. Of course, it was they who
cut your coat open.

"I wonder you can listen to me, sir."

"Go on," I said.

"I knew they hadn't got what they wanted, because there was a long
telegram waiting for me at Liverpool on board, and I was told to keep
up communication with Saumarez by Marconograms. So, I did; I did all
they wished until the train was held up, and then, sir, when I saw you
stripped by those greasers, and about being carried off, I could stand
it no longer. I made my mind up to throw Saumarez over and protect
you; it was then that I went and fetched your revolver and put it in
your hand. Since then I have kept on giving them information, but it
is all false.

"I couldn't bear the worry of it any longer. I laid awake all last
night, and this morning I made up my mind to come and tell you
everything.

"I know you will discharge me, sir, and I deserve it.

"I only have to humbly ask your pardon for betraying you, and
forgetting I was once an English soldier."

He finished, standing before me, white, and with quivering lips. As he
ceased speaking, I could not help remembering that, at any rate, he had
saved my life in all probability, and that which was far dearer to me
than life, the honour of Dolores.

I turned to him.

"For the present," I said, as kindly as I could under the
circumstances, "continue to do your duties, and I will consider what I
must do."

"If I could only think you would give me another chance, sir----" he
said, eagerly taking a step forward.

"I cannot promise," I said. "I must consider."

CHAPTER XVII

THE STEEL SAFE

Don Juan's conduct upon our arrival in London was both a revelation and
a surprise to me.

First, following a custom, now long established for diplomatists, he
put up